(From company literature) Gitzo G1198 Sport Basalt Performance Tripod. The G1198 is a more compact version of the three section G1197. Designed for all lightweight digital and 35mm cameras when shooting on location, the G1198 is also a great choice for spotting scopes, binocular support or even light camcorders.

Created by nature from volcanic rock for Gitzo, the G1198 is part of a new Basalt Fiber range designed for demanding professionals who need a lightweight rock solid tripod.

Suited for cameras ranging from compact digital to medium format film, this new tripod range is more durable and better at absorbing vibrations than aluminum models with similar dimensions. The legs are tougher than aluminum, yet 20% lighter.

Basalt fiber tube fabrication capabilities were developed for the space program due to the material's lightweight strength and heat/humidity resistant properties. Gitzo utilized these while creating a new way of producing tripods. Basalt, a black lightweight rock, is pulverized, then melted at extreme temperatures (2732 degrees F) and drawn into long thin fibers. The fiber is then combined with other natural materials and drawn through a shaping die to create multi-layer tubes of exceptional performance. The result is a non-rotating tube that meets the demands of today's professional photographers.

The legs are assembled using Gitzo’s "H.I.S.", a dual "screw thread and glue" jointing technology that provides greater durability and reliability than alternative methods.

It takes only seconds to open and secure the tripod with the new Anti-Leg-Rotation (ALR) system. Just loosen all twist locks at the same time and pull down the leg before tightening the twist locks.

Employing waterproof bushings with humidity resistant basalt makes it safer to use the tripod near and in water. A fitting touch, since Basalt makes up most of the world’s ocean floor. As an added plus, basalt tubes won't get hot and cold to the touch like aluminum does.

As usual, Gitzo left no detail overlooked. A redesigned built-in, spring-loaded, retractable accessory hook saves space and eliminates snags while providing a place to hang equipment, such as a camera bag, sand/water bag, on the bottom of the center column.

The Gitzo 1198 bassalt tripod is a bit light for an SLR. I use it with the Gitzo 1177M ball head for my pocket sized point-and-shoot. Even then, I don't extend the lower leg sections or the center post. The non-rotating leg sections are a very nice feature making the tripod quick to set up and take down. Having this little tripod along can makes all the difference when I'm trying to get every last bit of image quality out of my Canon SD700 point-and-shoot camera.